Facebook even has data on what you start typing into a post but decide not to share.

Social media networks don’t even pretend that “delete” means delete. Facebook’s legal terms liken deleting to placing information in your computer’s recycle bin. The terms also state that, by using Facebook, you acknowledge “that removed content may persist in backup copies for a reasonable period of time.”

If you’re part of a legal case in which your social media posts might be relevant, you’re prohibited from deleting them. Removing posts or deleting social media profiles might be considered “spoliation of evidence” and could result in civil (or even criminal) liability.

In other words, the photos you deleted just because they were embarrassing (though unrelated to your case) could be the reason you lose. This has led some lawyers to deem spoliated evidence even “better than the real thing.”

How can you legally protect your privacy? Follow these guidelines:

1. Trust people.

Realize that most judges and jury members use social media, too. They can put into context the information you’ve shared. They know that even if you were happy at your job a year ago that doesn’t mean your boss didn’t start sexually harassing you six months ago.

Even if it’s too late to legally delete your social media posts, trust that people will understand (and that the court will redact anything that’s irrelevant or would unfairly prejudice your case).

2. Be proactive.

Carefully consider what you say on Facebook, Twitter, Google and other sites before you hit “post,” and don’t be afraid to delete if you immediately regret posting something.

Stay ahead of your search history, too. We all search for exes now and then, but it’s mortifying to view those searches in a log, even if no one else ever sees it.

Deleting your Facebook search history is a chore, but it’s doable. First, go to “Settings.”

Next, click “Privacy.” Then click “Use Activity Log.”

Once you’re in your activity log, click “More” under the category that starts with “Photos.” Then click “Search.” (Facebook doesn’t make it easy to find.)

You can now see everything you’ve searched for in Facebook.

Click “Clear Searches” to delete your Facebook search history.

Twitter also saves searches, but it’s relatively easy to delete them. Just click in the search box, and select “Clear All” in the upper right corner.

Remember, don’t delete your profile or any posts because of a threatened lawsuit or dispute, or you might eviscerate your case. Continually maintain your social media presence, and be thoughtful about what you post.

Now I’ll just go and clear my search history of “how to delete Facebook searches” and “how to keep Twitter from saving my searches” so I don’t look like I’m laundering money for the mafia or something.